hypnosis
noun
hyp·no·sis
hip-ˈnō-səs 
plural hypnoses
hip-ˈnō-ˌsēz
1
: a trancelike state that resembles sleep but is induced by a person whose suggestions are readily accepted by the subject
2
: any of various conditions that resemble sleep
Examples of hypnosis in a Sentence
He underwent hypnosis to treat his fear of water.
While under hypnosis, she described the horrific accident in detail.
Recent Examples on the Web
The expert emphasized, however, that hypnosis is not a standalone cure for problem drinking.
—
Shiv Sudhakar, FOXNews.com, 10 July 2025
By the time the film is careening toward climax, highway hypnosis has set in.
—Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 26 June 2025
Audiences had to liberate a cadre of musicians from hypnosis and do so by concocting scenarios in which the club’s proprietor was continually forced to leave the room.
—Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2025
Bilingual and results-driven, the RESET Method blends neuroscience, therapeutic hypnosis, and personal development into a practical path to inner freedom.
—Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 28 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for hypnosis
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Shiv Sudhakar, FOXNews.com, 10 July 2025
By the time the film is careening toward climax, highway hypnosis has set in.
—Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 26 June 2025
Audiences had to liberate a cadre of musicians from hypnosis and do so by concocting scenarios in which the club’s proprietor was continually forced to leave the room.
—Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2025
Bilingual and results-driven, the RESET Method blends neuroscience, therapeutic hypnosis, and personal development into a practical path to inner freedom.
—Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 28 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for hypnosis
Cite this Entry
“Hypnosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hypnosis. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
hypnosis
noun
hyp·no·sis
hip-ˈnō-səs
plural hypnoses
-ˈnō-ˌsēz
: a trancelike state resembling sleep that is caused in a person by another whose suggestions are readily accepted and acted upon by the person in this state
Etymology
scientific Latin hypnosis "hypnosis," derived from Greek hypnos "sleep," from Hypnos "the Greek god of sleep"
Medical Definition
hypnosis
noun
hyp·no·sis
hip-ˈnō-səs
plural hypnoses
-ˌsēz
1
: a trancelike state of altered consciousness that resembles sleep but is induced by a person whose suggestions are readily accepted by the subject
2
: any of various conditions that resemble sleep
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